Chapter 298 Shelby's Plan
"What do you have in mind?" Vicente asked Shelby.
Shelby replied. "The days following the auction will be hectic. This will be the perfect time for the local powers to make more aggressive moves while those most interested in the auction items are busy.
Depending on how we act in those days, we might be able to pit some of our rivals against each other to weaken both sides. In the meantime, we can consolidate our positions with other powers." She pointed at Mira with one of her hands.
"For example, some local powers want to raise their social standing in Millfall and become powers with noble titles. But as much as some, like House Burn, are willing to spend a lot of their reserves to negotiate with a wealthier noble family, others don't have as much buying power, despite their interests.
But that doesn't diminish their greed!
They can be very receptive to people like us and help us achieve our goals."
"Even my family would be interested in the downfall of the noble powers," Mira said and understood what her friend wanted.
Mira didn't see the nobility as the scum of society like Shelby did. But just because she didn't despise the nobility didn't mean she couldn't profit from their downfall.
"We're willing to make a proposal to the Duke of the province, but if the noble family falls, we'd rather not have to spend our precious resources to buy a territory of little value." She said, smiling at Vicente.
"I see... Some wealthy families would be willing to encourage a certain amount of chaos in the city." Vicente muttered as the two smiled at him.
Those families wouldn't send their own members or people close to them to cause chaos. But if they knew of someone crazy enough to try, many would be happy to help.
Was there anything better than chaos for groups looking for opportunity?
Aware of this, even young Mira, who didn't usually plan dangerous things, wasn't surprised by her friend's intentions and even approved of someone moving around the area.
Vicente looked into Shelby's eyes and imagined that she needed chaos to get rid of her commitment to Marcus.
'With the town in flames, she'd have the opportunity to kill the guy.' He was silent momentarily, wondering how that would benefit him, who had his own issues to settle with the Symons family.
"Hmm, okay, we can help each other after the auction." Vicente agreed. "I'll prepare my group to act on the auctioned items, but I'll also talk to my friends about making their moves locally. If it's flames you want, it's flames you'll get."
Shelby clenched her fists in satisfaction while Molly understood the real level of chaos that would ensue that day, something Mira couldn't imagine, being in the dark about Vicente's identity.
"If my family can obtain a noble title more easily, we will support you. Right now, the most I can do is provide you with information and some resources. But if we succeed, you can expect a much greater return," Mira commented.
"Hmm, then I appreciate the support. Anything we can get in advance is welcome." Vicente said.
After that, they chatted for a few more moments until it was time for Shelby and Vicente to leave.
As they said goodbye, Shelby slipped a note into Vicente's clothes before leaving for the Staples estate.
Vicente then went to the Fuller estate while looking at what Shelby had put in his clothes.
'Vicente, in addition to what we discussed, I want you to know something I couldn't tell you in front of Mira. As trustworthy as she is, I don't want to involve her in everything I have in mind.
Part of my plans for Millfall involve a much wilder situation for the province as a whole.
There is about to be a shift change at Long Bay Correctional Facility.
In that prison is a notorious criminal of the province, Jonah Keen, also known as Snow Claw. He is a High-level Mage who has a history with some of the Millfall families and some of their supporters in the province.
If he escapes during this shift, we'll have perfect chaos for our plans!'
Vicente's eyes lit up at this part of Shelby's note.
'Once released, Snow Claw will take revenge on those who imprisoned him, who are exactly my targets and your future enemies.
You may not see Senior Snow Claw's targets as your enemies now, but trust me, they will be.
If you're interested in becoming stronger and expanding your operations throughout the rest of the province, sooner or later, you'll be fighting the largest noble-backed group in the province, the Ruby Devils.
The Ruby Devils control human trafficking in the province, as well as various underworld businesses, such as the alternative trade of jewels and precious resources.
This group is supported by at least 30 noble families in the province and was responsible for Senior Snow Claw's arrest.
Therefore, Senior Snow Claw's freedom could benefit both of us. So I hope you'll consider it. The shift will take place in less than two months. That's when we'll have our big chance to plunge the whole province into chaos.
Think about it carefully.'
After reading all this, Vicente would soon destroy that note while thinking about the alternative Shelby had started.
'A High-level Mage... Someone like that could really cause chaos in the whole province.' He imagined what someone close to the 4th stage would be capable of.
'Shelby and I probably won't be able to take advantage of the opportunities that the chaos of this person's escape would bring, but the opportunities would be great.
If he dealt fatal blows to some of the local noble families, that alone would allow our groups to more easily grow in influence in and around Millfall. That would make it easier for the Mazzanti family to expand their operations to other parts of the province.'
Any weakening of the noble families of the province, whether in terms of strength due to the death of key members or in terms of support due to the loss of followers, would greatly benefit groups like Vicente's.
To recover or even prevent their downfall, damaged noble families would have to make deals less advantageous to them, paving the way for groups like Vicente's.
On the other hand, new noble families could emerge from the chaos, and they would naturally need to ally themselves with groups like Vicente's to gain access to more resources.
Through these two types of nobles, Vicente knew he could get permission from several noble families to operate in cities other than Millfall, which would increase his social and financial position in the province.
'If all goes well, I'll be able to expand my family's numbers and reach truly important resources.' Vicente clenched his fists, feeling that Shelby's plans were worthwhile.
Of course, there would be countless risks before, during, and after the chaos that someone like Snow Claw could cause in the province.
But he was willing to risk it!
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